The fact that they think it will be overwhelming is about as far from comforting as it’s possible to get, but he decides against pointing that out just now. That’s another thing that might just make things worse, if he’s not careful.

But he seems to relax, just a small amount, when they talk about being grateful to see him again.

“I… cannot pretend to know what this was like for you,” he says, finally. “It has been mere hours since we were together.” From his perspective, at the very least. He’s not sure what’s actually the truth.

“And since I said you would never find yourself alone. I meant that, and I don’t—I don’t intend to break my word, whatever else has happened here.”

But apparently he did. And right now he’s not sure if that’s something he’ll ever understand, without having those memories. He doesn’t like this at all.

He does, however, reach to touch Rue’s shoulder, if they let him.